Trash collection teams will compete for the chance to represent the U.S. at the October finals in Japan.

Imagine environmental awareness with a day of competition at the beach, and you have the event known as SpoGomi, and its growing global popularity.

Born in Japan in 2008, the event’s name is a mash-up of the words “sport” and “gomihiroi,” picking up trash. Teams compete for points based on the amount and types of garbage collected within a time limit in a designated area.

A qualifier for the finals in Japan will take place on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Crescent Bay Park in Santa Monica. One winning team will be awarded a flight and accommodations to the championship in Tokyo in October. There will also be prizes for second and third place.

“The goals of the SpoGomi events are to combine

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